Counting device for tablets and the like



May 25, 1 M. BROWN ETAL COUNTING DEVICE FOR TABLETS AND THE LIKE Filed June 18 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS Mac/eon 15m wn Y famonoBfOM/fl THE/R AGENT y 25, 1954 M. BROWN ETAL COUNTING DEVICE FOR TABLETS AND THE LIKE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 18 1951 INVENTORS, Ma c/ea/z Bro wn fomono L. Brown THE/R AGENT May 25, 1954 M. BROWN ETAL 2,679,334

COUNTING DEVICE FOR TABLETS AND THE LIKE Filed June 18,1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 a 31;.3. m I 3 I L25 I I I I 25-- I I INVENTORS. Mac/e012 Brow/2 BY 150777 and L, Brow/7 THE/P AGENT Patented May 25, 1954 OFFICE COUNTING DEVICE FOR TABLETS AND THE LIKE Maclean Brown and Edmond L. Brown, La Grande, Oreg.

Application June 18, 1951, Serial No. 232,232

14 Claims.

This invention pertains to counting devices, and relates particularly to novel apparatus by which tablets and like articles may be counted accurately and rapidly and dispensed into containers in one operation.

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide counting apparatus by which pharmaceutical tablets and like articles may be counted and packaged rapidly into predetermined quantities without damage thereto and by the attention of but one operator.

Another important object of this invention is the provision of a counting device which is adjustable to accommodate the counting of tablets and the like into any quantities desired.

A further important object of this invention is the provision of a counter which is adjustable to accommodate the counting of tablets and like articles of diverse shapes and sizes.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a tablet counter in which the counting operation is achieved without contact by human hands and without exposing the tablets to dust laden air or otherwise contaminated atmosphere.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a counting device which is eflicient in operation and is sturdily constructed for long operating life.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed description taken in connection with accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a plan view of a tablet counter embodying features of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken along the line 22 in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the counter base plate showing details of the arrangement of the feed slots and the dispensing openings;

Figure 4 is a foreshortened perspective view of the counter bar, the same being shown inverted from its normal position on the base plate for purposes of disclosing details of construction;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a front elevation of the tablet counter shown in Figure 1, par-ts thereof being broken away to disclose details of construction;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary side elevation of the tablet counter as viewed from the right in Figure Figure .8 .is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line :8--\8 in Figure 6 Figure 9 is a fragmentary plan view of a modified form of tablet counter embodying the fea tures of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line Ill-40 in Figure 9 and Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation as viewed along the line ii-H in Figure 9, a part thereof being broken away to disclose details of construction.

Referring to the drawings, the tablet counter includes a rectangular framework 5 constructed of wood or other suitable material. The framework functions as a base for the elements of the counter device described hereinafter, and is supported in an inclined position in any convenient manner. By way of example, a sub-frame 2 is secured pivotally at its forward end to the forward end of the framework I by hinges 3. Arms 4 extend pivotally from the rearward end of the subirame for detachable connection with the framework adjacent the elevated rearward end of the latter, as by the wing nuts 5. Spaced holes or elongated slots provided in the arms 4 accommodate adjustment of the framework I to any degree of incline desired;

Covering the framework I are a plurality of fiat plates arranged in cooperative relation to form a plane base. Plate 6 is secured to the framework and extends downwardly from the elevated end of the latter. Shaker plate I is mounted freely upon the framework adjacent plate 6 for lateral movement with respect thereto for purposes explained in detail hereinafter. Plate 8 is secured to the framework adjacent shaker plate I. A second shaker plate 9 is mounted freely upon the framework adjacent plate 8 for lateral movement similar to plate 1. Plate II] is secured to the framework adjacent shaker plate 9 and terminates at the forward, lower end of the said framework.

Shaker plates 1 and B are interconnected by rocker arm H which is secured pivotally at its opposite ends by pins 12 to said shaker plates. The rocker arm is also secured pivotally at its center to the base plate 8 by pivot pin 53. Shaker plate 9 carries a slotted guide 14 in which cam I5 is freely contained. The cam is secured eccentrically to the drive shaft [6 of an electric motor I1 mounted upon the framework I. Thus, upon energization .of the motor the cam rotates within the guide 14 and causes shaker plate 9 to reciprocate laterally of the framework. By virtue of the rocker arm coupling, shaker plate 1 is also caused to reciprocate.

Plate -'6 is bounded on its sides and rearward end by upstanding walls l8 and 19, respectively, the side walls l8 extending partially over the shaker plate l. A front wall is mounted upon the front ends of the side walls by adjustment screws 2: which extend through elongated slots 22 provided in the said front wall. Thus, the front wall be adjusted vertically with respect to the shaker plate I. As best shown in Figure 5, the lower edge 23 of the front wall is bevelled to taper downwardly from the inner side to the outer side of said wall. The function of this tapered edge is described in detail hereinafter. The walls 8 to 20, inclusive, form a hopper within which tablets 2a or other articles intended to be counted are deposited in bulk.

Plate 8 is bounded on its lateral sides by walls 25 which extend forwardly over the shaker plate 9. Walls 26 extend forwardly from walls 25 to enclose the sides of plate ill. The separate arrangement of these walls facilitate the removal of the base plate if} and its cooperating parts to be described for purposes explained hereinafter.

Mounted upon base plate (0 are a plurality of elongated fingers 21. These fingers are arranged in laterally spaced relation across the plate iii and form a plurality of elongated slots 28 therebetween. The spacing between adjacent fingers and the vertical thickness of each finger is preferably slightly greater than the corresponding dimensions of the largest tablets or other objects to be counted, as explained in detail hereinafter. It will be apparent that the smallest size of object capable of being counted must have a diameter slightly greater than onehalf the width of the slots 23. The fingers preferably project slightly over the upper edge of plate if) onto the shelter plate 9, as shown.

Formed in the base plate to in axial alignment with each finger ill is an elongated discharge opening 2.9, as best shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. The width of each opening is preferably substantially the same as the width of each slot 28 and the length of each opening is selected to accommodate the simultaneous passage therethrough or" a desired maximum number of tablets. For example, the openings illustrated each permits the passage of four of the tablets 24 shown. Thus, since there are twenty-five slots and an equal number of discharge openings, the counter is capable of counting and dispensing a maximum of one hundred tablets per cycle, in the manner described hereinafter.

Mounted freely upon the base plate NJ forwardly of and adjacent the fingers 2? is an elongated counting block as. The block extends transversely of the plate l6 through slots at provided in the side walls 26, as best shown in Figure 3. An elongated bar 32 projects from the block and performs the dual function of providing a handle by which to move the block transversely of the plate i0 and also of providing a stop by which to limit said transverse movement, as explained in detail hereinafter.

Referring now particularly to Figure 4 of the drawings, the block 30 is shown inverted from its normal position on plate E0 in order best to disclose details of its preferred construction. Formed in the blocl: at spaced intervals longitudinally thereof and adjacent one longitudinal edge are a plurality of shallow, elongated grooves 33. The grooves are arranged normal to said longitudinal edge and extend approximately onehalf the width of the block. The depth and width of the grooves are substantially the same as the depth and width of the slots 28, while the numher and spacing of the said slots and grooves are identical. Thus, the block may be arranged upon the base plate it in such manner that the grooves 33 form extensions or" the slots 28, as shown in Figure Then, by moving the block toward the right side of plate ii), the grooves 33 may be aligned in superimposed relation with the discharge openings 29.

The limits of the foregoing transverse movements are defined as follows, reference being made to Figures 1 and 6 of the drawings: Mounted upon the framework l below and adjacent the left end of block 30 is a support 34. An L-shaped abutment stop 35 is mounted pivotally on the lateral end of the support by pin 2'3. The pin is positioned adjacent the forward end of the block in order to permit the stop to be lowered from the position illustrated to a position below the support. In this manner the counter block 35 may be withdrawn from the base plate iii. A second slot 3"! intercepts slot 31 to permit passage of the bar 32 therethrough. With the stop 35 in the position shown and the left end of the counter block in abutment therewith, the grooves 30 are disposed in axial alignment with the slots 28 for reception of tablets or other objects to be counted. Then, by moving the counter block to the right until its right hand end abuts with the side wall 26, the grooves 33 are brought into superimposed relation with the discharge open ings 25.

In the preferred construction of block 30 a second set of spaced grooves 38 is provided therein. These grooves extend from the longitudinal opposite the grooves 33 and are preferably ggered with respect to the latter, as shown igure i. The dimensions these grooves differ from those of grooves 33 to accommodate the counting of tablets or other objects of different size. The set of grooves 38 are used by reversing the position of block 39 on the plate l0.

Means is provided for adjusting the effective length of the grooves 33 or 33, whereby to control the number of tablets admissible therein and thereby to accommodate the counting of any number of tablets desired. Referring to Figure 4 of the drawings, there is shown an adjustment bar 38 supported adjacent one of the longitudinal edges of the block 3% by means of hand screws The threaded hand screws are mounted in tapped holes 41 provided adjacent the opposite ends or" the block 30. Projecting from the bar 39 are plurality of elongated pins 42 each of which received slidably in a hole 33 provided in the raised portions of the block separating each of the grooves 33 or 38. These holes 43 communicate with the grooves and thereby permit the pins to extend therein to any distance regulated by the position of bar 39. Thus, the pins serve to regulate the effective length of the grooves and thereby control the number of tablets adnitsible into said grooves. It is apparent that when grooves 38 are to be used the bar 39 is removed from its position shown in Figure 4 and installed along the opposite edge of the block 39.

The area of the counter extendin from the front wall 20 of the hopper forwardly over the spaced fingers 2! is covered by a pair of transparent cover plates 44 and 45 of glass or plastic which are secured together at their abutting edges by hinges 46. The rearward edge of plate 44 abuts against a bar 41 secured to wall 20 adjacent the lower edge of the latter. Projecting lugs 48 are secured to plate 44 and extend over the bar 4? to position the bottom surfaces of the bar and plate in coplanar extension, as best shown in Figure 5. Thus, as the wall is adjusted vertically to regulate the opening between its lower obliquely cut edge 23 and the shaker plate I, the adjacent edge of cover plate 44 is also adjusted to the same spacing.

The forward, hinged edge of cover plate 44 overlies the upper ends of fingers 21, while the entire area of cover plate 45 overlies said fingers. Adjustment screws 49 are provided adjacent the forward ends of both cover plates to accommodate adjustment of the spacing between said cover plates and the base plates 8 and ID, for purposes explained in detail hereinafter.

In order to eifect movement of tablets and other objects of non-spherical shape downwardly from the hopper into the slots 28 and the grooves of the counter bar 30, an electrically operated vibrator 58 of any suitable and well-known type is mounted upon the framework i. A vibrator having a substantially high frequency of oscillation is preferred in order to produce a continuous flow of tablets without causing notice- 1.:

able jarring of the apparatus. It is apparent that the vibrator may be omitted when objects of spherical shape, such as ball bearings, are to be counted.

Mounted upon base plate 8 and converging forwardly from the opposite ends of the hopper wall 26 is pair of guide strips 5!. The converging ends of these strips are spaced apart to form a restricted opening through which the tablets or other objects dispensed from the hopper pass i onto the shaker plate 9. The provision of this construction has been found desirable in order to obviate any tendency of the objects to form a solid mass on plate 8, a condition which tends to decrease the effectiveness of the shaker plate 9 in feeding the objects into the slots 28. The effectiveness of the shaker plate 9 is also enhanced by the provision of the projecting buttons 52 mounted upon said shaker plate. As the latter reciprocates, the buttons engage and move the tablets about adjacent the entrance to the slots 28.

Referring now to Figures 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings, there is shown a preferred form of discharge device by which the tablets or other objects are dispensed into containers in quantities accurately counted by the mechanism described hereinbei'ore. The dispenser includes a pair of vertical walls 53 held in spaced relation by the spacer blocks 54. A pair of bolts 55 and 55 extend transversely through the walls and into holes provided in the forward member of framework I, whereby to secure the said walls detachably thereto. The walls form a discharge passage therebetween which is disposed immediately below and in registration with the discharge openings 29 formed in the base plate ill.

An elongated chute 5"? is positioned within the confines of the spaced walls 53 and is provided adjacent one end with a transverse notch '58 adapted to freely engage the bolt 55. The chute is thereby mounted pivotally at one end to permit its adjustment to any degree of slope desired. A locking bolt 59 is secured to one of the vertical walls and extends through the other well below the chute. A knurled knob 60 is threaded onto the free end of the locking bolt and functions whentightened thereon to draw the vertical walls "53 together into frictional contact with the chute.

The chute forms an elongated trough which terminates inwardly of the lower end thereof and is closed at said end by a wall 6!. Communicating with the trough at the lower, closed end thereof is a discharge opening 62. This opening is extended downwardly by a cylindrical tube 83 which is secured by a connecting flange 64 to the chute. A hollow adapter 85 is received within the tube 63 and removably secured therein by means of set screw 68. The inner wall 6] of the adapter converges downwardly to form a constric'ted opening of desired size, and is then flared towards its lowermost end to form a conical re- Goes 68. The recess functions to facilitate the centering of the open end of a bottle or other container into which the tablets or other objects are to be dispensed. Various sizes of adapters may be provided to accommodate the dispensing of diverse sizes of objects into appropriately dimensioned containers.

A baffle plate '69 is secured between the walls 53 and extends obliquely downward and inward from the upper right edge thereof. This baffle functions to direct the objects falling through the discharge openings 29 adjacent the right side of the base plate It into the lower portion of the chute 57 above the wall $1.

In the counting and dispensing of certain types of objects it has been found desirable to retard their flow toward the discharge opening 62 in order to prevent jamming of the latter. Novel means has been provided to achieve the proper iiow, said means being illustrated in Figures 1, 6 and 7. A valve plate l0 is disposed between the walls 53 above the chute 5'! and secured to pivot pin H, the lower portion of the valve plate being designed to conform to the cross sectional configuration of the chute trough. The pivot pin is mounted pivotally in the walls 53 and extends rearwardly thereof. A lever arm 12 is secured to pivot pin TI and is provided with spaced holes $3 each adapted to receive the lower offset end T4 of actuating rod 15. The actuating rod is mounted pivotally intermediate its ends on pin it which projects from the support block '11 secured to the framework 1. The upper end '58 of the actuating rod is offset forwardly to abut against the right end of counter block 30.

In the position illustrated in the drawings with the counter block 38 disposed to the left in abutment with stop 35 and the grooves, 33 in alignment with slots 23, the valve plate 70 is retracted and presents no obstruction in the chute 5!. When the grooves 33 in the counter block are filled with tablets or other objects and the latter are to be discharged therefrom, the block is moved toward the right until the bar 32 comes into abutment with the side wall 26. During this movement to the right the block moves the offset end 18 of the actuating rod "iii to the right and thereby causes the latter to pivot about pin Hi. The lower offset end 74 of the actuating rod thereupon moves to the left and pivots the lever arm 12 and valve plate 76 clockwise with pivot pin H. The valve plate thus enters the chute trough and seals the upper portion thereof.

With the counter block 30 moved to the right, the grooves 33 are superimposed upon the discharge openings 29. Accordingly, the tablets or other objects carried within the grooves 33 fall by gravity through the openings 29 into the chute 51. Inasmuch as valve plate Til has closed the upper portion of the chute, only those objects which have fallen into the lower half of the chute are free to pass downwardly through the discharge opening 62 into the container. This action is completed within a time of about one second. Then, as the counter block is retracted to the left, preparatory to commencing the next cycle of operation, the valve plate in is retracted and the remaining objects collected in the upper portion of the chute travel down the latter and are discharged from opening 62 into the container.

As stated hereinbefore, the counter is capable of receiving tablets or other objects which vary in physical dimensions within the limits defined by the width and depth of slots 23 and grooves 33 or 33. In the foregoing construction the depth of slots 28 may be varied by adjusting the spacing between the base plate 56 and the cover plate 45. When it is desired to count the package objects of larger or smaller size, the entire assembly of base plate IE), fingers 21 and counter block 30 illustrated may be removed and another similar assembly of proper dimensions substituted therefor.

An alternative contruction by which the depth of the slots 28 may be adjusted is illustrated in Figures 9, l and. 11 of the drawings. In this modification the base plate is provided with a plurality of laterally spaced elongated slots 19 which extend transversely therethrough. These slots are formed by extending the previously described discharge openings 29 rearwardly to a point adjacent the edge of plate Id which adjoins the shaker plate ii. The slots 19 are extended to the said edge of plate it! by grooves 80 milled or otherwise formed therein. Thus, the portion (H of plate Hi remaining below the grooves 80 functions to support the portions of the plate which extend between and define the lateral walls of the slots 79.

A plurality of elongated fingers 82 are mounted in laterally spaced relation upon a plate 83 which underlies the base plate ill. Each of the fingers is arranged to be received slidably within one of the slots 15. The rearward end of each finger is notched adjacent the plate 83 to form a projecting end 84 which is received in the groove 89 above the supporting portion 8!. The fingers are shorter in length than the slots 19, whereby a portion of the latter remain unobstructed adjacent the forward end of the fingers to form discharge openings similar to the openings 29 described hereinbefore. The counter block 30 is arranged for cooperation with these openings in the manner previously described.

The plate 83 extends transversely across the counter device and is supported adjacent its opposite ends by adjustment screws 85 which are threaded through the supporting brackets 85 and secured to the side members of framework l. Thus, by turning the adjustment screws the plate 33 is moved vertically with respect to the base plate Hi. In this manner the height of the fingers projecting above the plane surface of base plate it? is rendered adjustable.

It is to be noted that the entire assembly of base plate 9, the adjustable fingers 82 and its supporting plate 83 and the counter block 30 is removable from the framework to accommodate substitution of similar assemblies of different dimensions, as explained hereinbefore.

The operatic of the counter is as follows: Let it be assumed that relatively thin, circular pharmaceutical tablets having a substantially oval shape in profile, as illustrated, are to be counted and packaged in units of one hundred. A quantity of these tablets are deposited in the hopper, the

fill

vibrator 50 is started and the drive motor [1 is energized to reciprocate the shaker plates 1 and 9. By the action of the vibrator the tablets move toward the forward end of the hopper where the shaker plate 1 moves them about and feeds them into the space below the forward hopper wall 2%. The bevelled lower edge 23 of the wall 20 causes the tablets to be oriented fiatwise as they enter the space between the base plate 8 and the cover plate 44.

The vibration of the counter assembly causes the tablets to move downwardly through the said from which they are funnelled by the guide strips 5! onto the central area of the shaker plate 9. Here the tablets become dispersed laterally and, with the aid of the buttons 52, are fed into the several slots 28. The foregoing action is continued until each slot is filled with a row of tab- Counter block 30 is disposed to the left in order that grooves 3 3 be aligned with the slots 28, whereupon the rows of tablets will extend into and fill the said grooves.

During the foregoing operation the attendant views the tablets through the transparent cover plates. Whenever a broken or otherwise damtablet is discovered in the slots 28 the forard cover plate 5 is swung upwardly about hinges 48 and the tablet is removed.

After each of the twenty-five grooves in block 3-:3 has been filled with four tablets, the attendant moves the said block to the right into abutment with the side wall 26. In this position the grooves are aligned with the discharge openings 29, whereupon the one hundred tablets fall by gravity into the discharge chute 51. The tablets entering the chute below the valve plate 10 proceed to the discharge opening 62 and into the container positioned under the flared outlet 68, while the remaining tablets are detained temporarily a eve the valve plate until the counter block 38 is returned to the left to begin a second cycle, as e'splained in detail hereinbefore.

From the foregoing the merits of the present invention are readily apparent. The device is versatile in that it accommodates the counting 'ets.

" and packaging of various objects of diverse shapes and sizes, such, for example, as pharmaceutical tablets, ball bearings, candies and many other articles of manufacture. In this respect the counting head, which comprises the base plate it, fingers 2':' or 82 and counter block 39, is removable as a unit to accommodate installation of similar units of different dimensions.

he device performs the counting and dispensing operation with accuracy and speed. The probability of error in counting is substantially eliminated by the provision of the cooperating slots 28 and grooves 33 or 38. Accurate counting of over 1500 pharmaceutical tablets per minute has been achieved consistently and with facility by the mechanical operation of a single unskilled attendant, and this production rate is limited by the capabilities of the attendant. According- 1y, automatic operation of the device increases the production rate to a substantial degree.

The objects being counted are within full view of the attendant during transfer from the hopper to the counter block, thereby affording effective means for inspection. This is achieved by the provision of the transparent cover plates. These plates also perform the functions of protecting the objects from being soiled and of providing a limited space above the base plates to prevent the tablets from tumbling or otherwise becoming overlapped with each other. Each object is thereby caused to enter the counter block in uniform manner for accurate counting, and breakage or other damage to the objects is obviated.

The device is sturdily built for long operating life. A minimum of moving parts reduces the problem of maintenance and repair to a practical minimum.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the structural details described hereinbefore may be made without ole parting from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, foot operation of the counter block 3B may be afiorded by the provision of lever means connecting the said block to a foot pedal. Alternatively, the counter block may be operated automatically as by a motor driven linkage. The foregoing arrangements may be made in various ways well known to those skilled in the art.

Various means for adjusting the vertical displacement of the transparent cover plates and fingers may be substituted for the construction disclosed hereinbefore. In addition, various methods and means may be substituted for the arrangement disclosed for limiting the lateral movement of the counter block.

The device may be constructed of any suitable structural material desired. For example, it has been found desirable to form the cover plates and counter block of transparent plastic in order that the objects being counted may be viewed at all times as they pass from the hopper to the discharge chute. In fact, the entire assembly supported by the framework and including the hopper, base plates, fingers and discharge mechanism has been constructed of transparent plastic to afford unobstructed view of the objects from every angle.

In view of the foregoing and other apparent changes, it is to be understood that the detailed description presented hereinbefore is merely illustrative of the invention and is not to be considered in a limiting sense.

Having now described our invention and the manner in which the same may be used, what we claim. new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A counter device for tablets and the like, comprising an inclined plane base, a hopper at the upper end of said base, a plurality of spaced raised finger means extending longitudinally of the base intermediate the ends thereof and forming spaced slots therebetween, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the lower end of the base adjacent and in alignment with finger means, and laterally slidable counter block. means overlying the base and discharge openings and having a plurality of spaced grooves therein adapted to register in one position with the spaced slots and in another position with the spaced discharge openings.

2. A counter device for tablets and the like, comprising an inclined plane base, a hopper at the upper end of said base, a plurality of spaced raised finger means extending longitudinally of the base intermediate the ends thereof and forming spaced slots therebetween, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the lower end of the base adjacent and in alignment with said finger means, laterally slidable counter block means overlying the base and discharge openings and having a plurality of spaced grooves therein adapted to register in one position with the spaced slots and in another position with the spaced discharge openings, and a cover overlying the base in spaced 10 relation therewith between the hopper and counter block means.

3. A counter device for tablets and the like, comprising an inclined plane base, a hopper at the upper end of said base, a plurality of spaced raised finger means extending longitudinally of the base intermediate the ends thereof and forming spaced slots therebetwecn, adjustable means supporting the finger means for adjustment perpendicular to the base, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the lower end of the base adjacent and in alignment with said finger laterally slidable counter block means overlying the base and discharge openings and having plurality of spaced grooves therein adapted to register in one position with the spaced slots and in another position with the spaced discharge openings, and a cover overlying the base in adjustable spaced relation therewith between the hopper and counter block means.

it. counter device for tablets and the like, comprising an inclined plane base, a hopper at the upper end of said base, a plurality of spaced raised finger means extending longitudinally of the base intermediate the ends thereof and forming spaced slots therebetween, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the lower end of the base adjacent and in alignment with said finger means, laterally slidable counter block means overlying the base and discharge openings and having plurality of spaced grooves therein adapted to register in one position with the spaced slots and in another position with the spaced discharge openings, and a transparent cover overlying the base in spaced relation therewith between the hopper and counter block means.

5. A counter device for tablets and the like, comprising an inclined plane base, a hopper at the upper end of said base, a plurality of spaced raised finger means extending longitudinally of the base intermediate the ends thereof and forming spaced slots therebetween, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the l wer end of the base adjacent and in alignment with said finger means, laterally slidable counter block means overlying the base and discharge openings and having a plurality of spaced. grooves therein to register in one position with the spaced slots and in another position with the spaced discharge openings, a transparent cover overlying base in adjustable spaced relation therewith be ween the hopper counter block means, ani vi Nor means on the counter device for causing the tablets and the like to move from the hopper to the counter block means.

6. A counter device for tablets and the like, comprising an inclined plane base. a hopper at the upper end or said base, a forward wall mount ed adjustably on the hopper for adjustment vertically with respect to said base, a plurality of spaced raised finger means extending longitudinally of the base intermediate the ends thereof and forming spaced slots therebetween, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the lower end of the base adjacent and in alignment with said finger means, laterally slidable counter block means overlying the base and discharge openings and having a plurality of spaced grooves therein adapted to register in one position with the spaced slots and in another position with the spaced discharge openings, and a transparent cover overly ing the base in adjustable spaced relation therewith between the hopper and counter block means.

'7. A counter device for tablets and the like,

comprising an inclined plane base, a hopper at the upper end of said base, a plurality of spaced raised finger means extending longitudinally of the base intermediate the ends thereof and forming spaced slots therebetween, laterally movable shaker means in the base adjacent the upper ends of the finger means, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the lower end of the base adjacent and in alignment with said finger means, laterally slidable counter block means overlying the base and discharge openings and having a plurality of spaced grooves therein adapted to register in one position with the spaced slots and in another position with the spaced discharge openings, and a transparent cover overlying the base in adjustable spaced relation therewith between the hopper and counter block means.

8. A counter device for tablets and the like, comprising an inclined plane base, a hopper at the upper end of said base, a forward wall mounted adjustably on the hopper for adjustment vertically with respect to said base, shaker means in the base underlying the forward hopper wall, a plurality of spaced raised finger means extending longitudinally of the base intermediate the ends thereof and forming spaced slots therebetween, laterally movable shaker means in the base adjacent the upper ends of the finger means, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the lower end of the base adjacent and in alignment with said finger means, laterally slidable counter block means overlying the base and discharge openings and having a plurality of spaced grooves therein adapted to register in one position with the spaced slots and in another position with the spaced discharge openings, and a transparent cover overlying the base in spaced relation therewith between the hopper and counter block means.

9. A counter device for tablets and the like, comprising an inclined plane base, a hopper at the upper end of said base, a plurality of spaced raised finger means extending longitudinally of the base intermediate the ends thereof and forming spaced slots therebetween, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the lower end of the base adjacent and in alignment with said finger means, laterally slidable counter block means overlying the base and discharge openings and having a plurality of spaced grooves therein adapted to register in one position with the spaced slots and in another position with the spaced discharge openings, elongated discharge means underlying the spaced discharge openings, valve means mounted retractably intermediate the ends of the discharge means, and means connecting the valve means to the counter block means, wherebyto close a portion of the discharge means when the counter blocl: means is in discharge position.

10. A counter device for tablets and the like, comprising an inclined plane base, a hopper at the upper end of said base, a plurality of spaced raised finger means extending longitudinally of the base intermediate the ends thereof and forming spaced slots therebetween, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the lower end of the base adjacent and in alignment with said finger means, laterally slidable counter block means overlying the base and discharge openings and having a plurality of spaced grooves therein adapted to register in one position with the spaced slots and in another position with the spaced discharge openings, a pair of spaced walls forming a discharge space therebetween underlying the spaced discharge openings, an elongated chute underlying the spaced discharge openings and mounted pivotally adjacent one end between the spaced walls, and locking means connecting the spaced walls for securing the chute frictionally therebetween.

ll. A counter device for tablets and the like, comprising an inclined plane base, a hopper at the upper end of said base, a plurality of spaced raised finger means extending longitudinally of the base intermediate the ends thereof and forming spaced slots therebetween, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the lower end of the base adjacent and in alignment with said finger means, laterally slidable counter block means overlying the base and discharge openings and having a plurality of spaced grooves therein adapted to register in one position with the spaced slots and in another position with the spaced discharge openings, a pair of spaced walls forming a discharge space therebetween underlying the spaced discharge openings, an elongated chute underlying the spaced discharge openings and mounted adjacent one end between the spaced walls, locking means connecting the spaced walls for securing the chute frictionally therebetween, and valve means mounted retractably intermediate the ends of the chute, and means connecting the valve means to the counter block means, whereby to close a portion of the chute when the counter block means in in discharge position.

12. In a counter device having a discharge section and counter block feed means registering therewith; a pair of spaced walls forming a discharge space therebetween underlying the said discharge section, an elongated chute mounted adjacent one end between the spaced walls, looking means connecting the spaced walls for securing the chute frictionally therebetween, valve means mounted retractably intermediate the ends of the chute, and means connecting the valve means to the counter block means, whereby to close a portion of the chute when the counter block means is in discharge position.

13. In a counter device having a discharge section including discharge openings and counter lock feed means registering therewith; a pair of spaced walls forming a discharge space therebetween underlying the said discharge openings, an elongated chute mounted pivotally adjacent one end between the spaced walls, locking means connecting the spaced walls for securing the chute frictionally therebetween, valve means mounted retractably intermediate the ends of the chute, and means connecting the valve means to the counter block means, whereby to close a portion of the chute when the counter block means is in discharge position.

14. A counter device for tablets and the like, comprising an inclined frame, an upper inclined plane base secured to the inclined frame, a hopper at the upper end of the upper inclined base, a lower inclined plane base secured detachably to the inclined frame and forming a continuous inclined plane with the upper base, a plurality of spaced raised finger means on the upper portion of the lower plane base extending longitudinally of the inclined bases and forming spaced slots therebetween, a plurality of spaced discharge openings formed in the lower portion of the lower plane base adjacent and in alignment with said finger means, and laterally slidable counter block means overlying the base and discharge openings and having a plurality of spaced grooves therein 13 adapted to register in one position with the Number spaced slots and in another position with the 1,767,112 spaced discharge openings. 1,920,457 2,111,529 References Cited in the file of this patent 5 2,437,950 UNITED STATES PATENTS 671995 Number Name Date 1,095,277 Hermann et a1. May 5, 1914 Number 1,312,279 Spaulding Aug. 5, 1919 10 245,860 1,373,521 Neller Apr. 5, 1921 57 ,523

Name Date Antoine et a1 June 24, 1930 Bariing Aug. 1, 1933 Dalton Mar. 15, 1938 Gaddini Mar. 16, 1948 Schlecter Apr. 19, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Switzerland Aug. 16, 1947 Great Britain May 21, 1946 

